“SUPORTA SA MANGGAGAWANG PILIPINO” – BONG GO EXTENDS ASSISTANCE TO DISPLACED WORKERS IN SAN NICOLAS, BATANGAS

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, an adopted son of CALABARZON and familial ties with the Tesoro clan of Batangas, recently extended his support to disadvantaged workers in San Nicolas, Batangas.

The event took place on Friday, September 6. Go’s Malasakit Team organized a relief activity at the municipal gymnasium in coordination with Mayor Lester De Sagun and Vice Mayor Napoleon Arcel.

In a video message, Senator Go expressed his gratitude to the community, stating, “Sa totoo lang po, ‘wag po kayong magpasalamat sa amin. Kami po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan n’yo kami ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo sa inyo. Kaya hinding-hindi ko sasayangin ang pagkakataon na ibinigay ninyo sa akin. Magtatrabaho po ako para sa Pilipino sa abot ng aking makakaya.”

Go also underscored the importance of safeguarding the welfare of disadvantaged workers, especially in rural areas where job opportunities can be scarce. He highlighted his legislative efforts, particularly Senate Bill No. 420, which seeks to establish a framework for short-term job opportunities through the proposed Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP). If enacted, REAP will aim to provide temporary employment for qualified individuals from low-income rural families, prioritizing those experiencing economic hardship, poverty, displacement, or seasonal work reliance.

To further ease the financial burden on Filipino families, Go also co-authored and co-sponsored SBN 2534, which aims to raise the daily minimum wage by P100 nationwide.

During the event, a total of 50 displaced workers received various forms of assistance, including vitamins, snacks, shirts, basketballs, and volleyballs. Select recipients also received shoes.

Meanwhile, staff from the Department of Labor and Employment also briefed qualified Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program beneficiaries.

“Patuloy po tayong magtulungan upang mas mapabuti pa ang kalagayan ng ating mga disadvantaged at displaced workers. Magkasama tayo sa layuning ito na makabuo ng mas maginhawa at mas matatag na lipunan para sa lahat ng Pilipino,” Go stated, emphasizing his commitment to the cause.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go reminded the residents of the medical assistance available through the Malasakit Centers in the province, including those at Batangas Provincial Hospital in Lemery and Batangas Medical Center in Batangas City. These centers are one-stop shops for medical assistance from various government agencies, simplifying the process for those seeking help.

Since its inception in 2018, the Malasakit Centers initiative, principally authored and sponsored by Go through Republic Act No. 11463, has grown to 166 centers nationwide, aiding nearly 12 million Filipinos in accessing medical support.

“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” underscored Go who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.